Heat can affect anyone. It is most likely to affect young children, elderly people, and people with health problems. Those with medical conditions that cause poor blood circulation, and those who take medications to rid water from the body (diuretics) or for certain skin conditions may be more susceptible to heat sickness than others. It is important for everyone to be prepared for heat emergencies.

Extreme heat occurs when the temperature hovers 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and lasts for several weeks. A heat wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat.

Heat wave can result in three main heat emergencies: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke (also referred to as sunstroke.)